72 replies to this topic

[tjoad]

Cameron Village could soon expand

...a new project is being discussed this time even closer to Cameron Village at the (northeast) intersection of Oberlin Road and Clark Avenue. Buildings could range in height from 5 to 9 stories.

"They're proposing nearly 300 units residential, 28,000 feet of retail," City Council Member, Russ Stephenson said.

I was just talking about the lack of a residential element to CV, and here I find this   .  I really hope this happens, but it's still in the very early stages. I'm not sure who the developer is but they seem to be very willing to listen to what the neighborhood has to say, as they have already had public meetings.  I have a hunch it will be closer to the 5 stories than to the 9.

[JeffC]

tjoad, on May 30 2008, 11:30 AM, said:

Cameron Village could soon expand

...a new project is being discussed this time even closer to Cameron Village at the (northeast) intersection of Oberlin Road and Clark Avenue. Buildings could range in height from 5 to 9 stories.

"They're proposing nearly 300 units residential, 28,000 feet of retail," City Council Member, Russ Stephenson said.

I was just talking about the lack of a residential element to CV, and here I find this . I really hope this happens, but it's still in the very early stages. I'm not sure who the developer is but they seem to be very willing to listen to what the neighborhood has to say, as they have already had public meetings. I have a hunch it will be closer to the 5 stories than to the 9.

No way University Park residents (who include some of the most well-connected and influential folks in the city) go for a nine story building here...But would be nice to see this rather seedy corner of Cameron Village updated...I'm guessing it would stretch along Oberlin and encompass the old Ballentine's building...

[foxymohommed]

JeffC, on May 30 2008, 11:44 AM, said:

No way University Park residents (who include some of the most well-connected and influential folks in the city) go for a nine story building here...But would be nice to see this rather seedy corner of Cameron Village updated...I'm guessing it would stretch along Oberlin and encompass the old Ballentine's building...

yeah ill be shocked when a 9 story building is approved by the neighbors.  also, with the proximity to NCSU, i hope some units will be for rent.  but i doubt it.

would this kind of development even jive with the whole concept of CV?  outdoor, pull up to the curb, single or 2-story buildings?

[orulz]

I think (thought) the idea was to eventually redevelop all of CV into something more like this proposal. Turn everything inside-out with parking in the middle of the block and stores on the outside, with residential and/or office space on top.

[foxymohommed]

orulz, on May 30 2008, 12:57 PM, said:

I think (thought) the idea was to eventually redevelop all of CV into something more like this proposal. Turn everything inside-out with parking in the middle of the block and stores on the outside, with residential and/or office space on top.

ah.  that would be nice.  i wouldnt mind if it stayed kind of low to the ground, like no higher than the oberlin court stuff.

[RaleighRob]

I think this corner can handle the higher building.  It's the corners on the south side of Clark that probably, for now, should be kept lower since they are closer to the residential areas.  But this one with the old office buildings and empty cafeteria has much potential.  It's the only part of CV that hasn't been refurbished in any way, in recent memory.

[DPK]

RaleighRob, on May 30 2008, 02:10 PM, said:

It's the only part of CV that hasn't been refurbished in any way, in recent memory.

Don't forget the old dry cleaners that was supposed to be the new two story Chick-fil-A.

http://www.gogoralei...08/01/13/test3/

[StevenRocks]

Parts of Cameron Village could stand to be more densely developed, but I kind of like it the way it is.

[Jones133]

somehow I got the idea that most of the really big projects at CV never happen because the place is always owned by some offshore investment group that is only interested, and happy with, the current cash flow situation. Facade updates. lowering taxes by removing unused parking decks, all nice, but relatively cheap maintenance type stuff. Residential is a complete change from CV's history to date, so I am surprised to see it. Its nice for sure, but I am curious as to what all is going on behind the headlines. 9 stories would be great here,  and with practically and actual "every thing you need" nearby, would not generate as many new vehicle trips for the existing roads. Cameron Park did whittle The Tucker (Lofts on Glenwood) from 5 to four stories adjacent to St Mary's Street, so you never know what they'll be happy with. I never know what "character" they are trying to preserve since years ago they opposed historic overlay districts that would restrict what people could do to their homes within the neighborhood, yet they are plenty happy to tell people outside the neighborhood what they should be doing but I digress...

[tjoad]

A new rendering for the proposed highrise at Clark & Oberlin from the TBJ.

[DPK]

I'm glad to see that Crescent is actively trying to get the neighboring community involved in this project.  I mean, seven meetings with the neighbors still before it even goes before the city, that's impressive.

[ChiefJoJo]

I think this is the future of CV... more urban buildings with little-to-no setbacks, more height and density (mostly low rise), with structured parking.  The rest of CV almost certainly won't last another 5 years before it goes this way IMO.  The land will become too valuable.  They could easily develop one block at a time, leaving the strores in tact.

The Cresent project will be interesting... will this be high-end condos? or affordable?  Something in the $150-200k range would be great for young college grads who can't quite afford downtown yet, but want to be close enough to ride a bike.

[DPK]

The meeting for this project is today at City Hall!
http://www.newsobser...ry/1141769.html

Also, here is the revised Cameron Village Streetscape Plan:
http://www.raleighnc...g_Amendment.pdf

The revised plan includes the new Crescent building on block 2A:

Edited by DPK, 15 July 2008 - 01:24 AM.

[ChiefJoJo]

^ Yeah, I just saw the WRAL coverage here.  Funny, how you can change public perception by emphasizing one particular aspect of this "story."  Bowens commented that it was a '5 to 9 story tower' and mentioned Coker Towers, which was down Oberlin Rd at Wade.  First, I don't know if this qualifies as a tower.  Second, it seems to me that 5-9 stories is reasonable here, especially when the 9-story portion is set back from the street (as it appears to be).  The street grid is good in that area and it looks to be mixed use, so traffic is probably not too adversely affected.  Of course, the media wants to stir things up and I can see the neighbors in Cameron/University Park trying to derail this.  The new comp plan/zoning code can't get here fast enough...

[Jones133]

Occidental was also mentioned and how neighbors had that original scope nixed. Hardly the same animal as Occidental was adjacent to homes and Cresent is adjacent only to other commercial and office properties even across the street. I imagine Cresent will look alot like the building just finished on Oberlin at Wade with the ground floor commercial, only a little taller.

I think this project is perfect for this corner...the corner as is kind of sucks, with dead office uses, and a gas station. This would kind of invite the areas pedestrian traffic into Cameron Village in a way with its corner emphasis.

Edited by Jones133, 16 July 2008 - 03:22 PM.

[orulz]

Speaking of this project, does anybody know what went down at the public hearing yesterday? None of the news outlets appear to be reporting. WRAL seemed to be expecting lots of opposition and controversy, but prior articles in the N&O and biz journal mentioned that the developer had been getting lots of input from the neighbors before putting anything in front of staff or council.

[DPK]

orulz, on Jul 16 2008, 07:06 PM, said:

WRAL seemed to be expecting lots of opposition and controversy, but prior articles in the N&O and biz journal mentioned that the developer had been getting lots of input from the neighbors before putting anything in front of staff or council.

WRAL commenter's whine about everything and I'm convinced that they have nothing better to do with their lives than complain.  WRAL could post a news story on how someone's pet puppy dog saved a drowning disabled child from a lake and you'd get someone commenting on how evil lakes are and that we should drain them all.  Then insert some random comment about the drought and then blame the city council for something.

Also no idea on the hearing.  The zoning website directory for this hasn't been updated with anything new since the 3rd:
http://www.raleighnc...?...8&DirMode=1

Quote

Z-40-08 Oberlin Road and Clark Avenue, northeast quadrant of intersection, being Wake County PINs 1704020696, 1704020486, 1704022318, and a portion of 1704023636.  Approximately 2.67 acres are being requested by Crescent Resources LLC and Columbia Cameron Village LLC to be subject to amendment of the current Cameron Village Pedestrian Business Overlay District Streetscape and Parking Plan.  The amended plan proposes to address this subject portion of Block 2, including establishing a maximum height for the property. (Staff Contact: Doug Hill, 919-516-2622, doug.hill@ci.raleigh.nc.us)

Edited by DPK, 17 July 2008 - 06:48 AM.

[dmccall]

Why shouldn't they expect Cameron Park to object? Given the past history of resistance to any sort of building replacements in that part of town, I'm shocked that there aren't yard signs galore. Maybe they finally realized that the intense increase in property values and quality of life around North Hills could have happened to them. (I don't think Kane would have done the NH thing if Coker had been able to realize his original plan)

[DPK]

I contacted Doug Hill and got a reply on this:

Quote

From:   "Hill, Doug" <Doug.Hill@ci.raleigh.nc.us>
Subject:   RE: regarding Z-40-08 Oberlin Road and Clark Avenue
Date:   Thu, July 17, 2008 9:05 am

RTN Streaming Video has posted the hearing online at
http://raleigh.grani...r.php?view_id=2

Click on the "Video" for the most recent "City Council Zoning" (top of
the list); wait for it to load, then skip to 2:22 (2 hours, 22 minutes
into the hearing).

The case automatically goes to Planning Commission review.  Initial
discussion has been deferred from the July 22 meeting; the commission's
next meeting is August 12.

Doug Hill, AICP
Department of City Planning
One Exchange Plaza -- Suite 204
PO Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590
(919) 516-2622
(919) 516-2682 fax
doug.hill@ci.raleigh.nc.us


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:51 AM
To: Hill, Doug
Subject: regarding Z-40-08 Oberlin Road and Clark Avenue

Greetings,
I was wondering what the status of this zoning petition was and how the
public hearing went a few days ago.  I wasn't able to make the meeting
but would like to stay updated on the project.  Are there any other hearings
scheduled for future reference as well?

Edited by DPK, 17 July 2008 - 07:12 AM.

[orulz]

I just watched the public hearing on the project. Most opposition tended to lean towards the traditional NIMBY bastions of "Too tall" and "Too much traffic." Everybody who spoke against the project said that they would support a similar project that has been scaled down somewhat, say in the 4-6 story range.

Well, to that I say... it IS 4-6 stories along Clark and Oberlin. The 9-story portion is set back from the streets. I think this is a great fit for the area. And despite what the neighborhood said, I've driven on Oberlin and Clark at all times of the day, and never have I seen either in a state that could be remotely called "choked with traffic." Yes, there's traffic, but both of these streets are thoroughfares, which are SUPPOSED to carry traffic, and both carry far less than what would cause them to have issues with congestion.